When should my child start brushing their own teeth ?

Young children do not have the manual dexterity needed to properly brush their teeth. For this reason, parents should brush their child's teeth until they reach five to six years of age when they are able to brush teeth on their own.

Don't wait until then, however, to begin having your child brush their teeth. You want your children to form good brushing habits early. Have your children "brush" their own teeth and then follow behind them brushing their teeth again to ensure proper dental care.